Fixin T&T wants COP out of Partnership Govt now

The Congress of the People (COP) must pull out of the People's Partnership Government as the recent statement by National Security Minister Jack Warner on race is an attempt to intimidate citizens, according to the lobby group Fixin T&T.

Fixin T&T wrote to COP chairman Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan taking issue over an advertisement that was published on November 6 which was credited to the People's Partnership following a protest march in the capital city on November 2.

Warner had disputed the figures of the crowd saying that there were not 20,000-plus people but some 10,000 comprising of persons mainly from one ethnic group.

"Questions are asked in the advertisement about the composition of the crowd as it relates to among other things, ethnicity and age. In a country where 'every creed and race finds an equal place' we find the content of this ad disrespectful, divisive and inciting racial tension," stated Fixin T&T.

"In light of this latest 'misstep' along with the Reshmi Ramnraine spectacle, the ongoing tenure of Mr Jack Warner, the continued attacks on our media, the attempts to intimidate citizens insistent on exercising their constitutional rights, the ill-conceived SoE and the section 34 fiasco, Fixin T&T calls on the Congress of the People, a coalition partner in the People's Partnership administration to remove itself immediately from the Government with immediate effect," the letter added.

Fixin T&T added that the COP was perceived to represent the only semblance of full inclusion, fair dealing and good governance in the partnership during the lead up to the last general election.

"Many among us who voted for the Partnership exclusively because of the COP's involvement now feel totally disenchanted, deceived and betrayed. It was our expectation that the COP would lead the way in repairing the dysfunctional political system we endured for years," added the group.